1933-1937 Bentley 3 1/2 Litre

The 1933-1937 Bentley 31/2 Litre was the
first Bentley after the original "W.O." firm crashed in 1931 and was
taken over by Rolls-Royce. It featured a modified Rolls-Royce 20/25 engine and an
entirely new chassis.

The 1933-1937 Bentley 31/2 Litre was the
first Bentley after the original "W.O." firm crashed in 1931 and was
taken over by Rolls-Royce. It featured a modified Rolls-Royce 20/25 engine and an
entirely new chassis.

Compared with earlier Bentleys, this was the "Silent
Sports Car" -- softer in character, more refined, and even better built.
Really a quasi-Rolls, it has been called a "Rolls-Bentley" by many.
Power outputs were unstated, and a synchro gearbox with right-hand gearchange
restated the pedigree.

The 1933-1937 Bentley 31/2 Litre was built
at Derby, not Cricklewood, as a
rolling chassis only, so bodies came from outside coachbuilders. Though capable
of more than 90 mph in fine style and comfort, the car was still backward, with
leaf springs and beam axles front and rear, plus very British styling.